Blue Bell Hill Primary ‘the heart’ of St Ann’s community, receives glowing report from Ofsted.

Ofsted Inspectors say Blue Bell Hill Primary & Nursery School pupils thrive in culturally rich environment where expectations are high.

Blue Bell Hill Primary & Nursery School on Gordon Road, Nottingham has received a glowing Ofsted report which describes the school as having high expectations for all of its pupils.

The report states, ‘Expectations of pupils at this school are high. Pupils benefit from the school’s clear desire to ensure everyone achieves their full potential regardless of their circumstance. A no-excuses culture built on ‘aiming high, respect and care’ inspires pupils to work hard and do their very best. This ethos is embraced by parents and carers too. They hold the school in high esteem and say it is at the heart of their community.’

Blue Bell Hill pupils are described as happy and flourishing in all aspects of school life, achieving highly in many of the national published assessments at the end of the primary phase. Inspectors went on to praise the school’s inclusive environment, saying that children ‘…learn to respect everyone regardless of background. They know everyone deserves ‘equal opportunities’. Pupils enjoy celebrating important events from the many different faiths and cultures at the school.’

Pupils’ good behaviour and healthy relationships with staff is highlighted by inspectors who said ‘Pupils are safe at the school. They know they can talk to a member of the safeguarding team if they have a worry or they can write their concerns and put them in the worry box. They know the staff care about them.’

Rebecca Martin is Headteacher at the school and she said, “We are incredibly proud of our Ofsted outcome, –it reflects the immense amount of hard work our staff and children put in to aiming high every day, and both respecting and caring for each other. The inspectors saw just how much we celebrate diversity in our culturally rich school, where we champion inclusion, and where our staff and school leaders are committed to providing the best opportunities for all of our children.”

Rebecca said she is particularly proud of the children, commenting, “Our pupils were amazing during the inspection, they spoke with such pride and confidence about their school, not only their learning, but their enjoyment of the clubs, visits and trips we provide, and which all helps to develop their experience and understanding. We are so proud of the pastoral provision at Blue Bell, which allows our children to thrive and be the successful learners they are! Well done to our children, our super supportive families and to our hard-working staff team who make Blue Bell Hill such a wonderful school.”

Leaders at the school, alongside members of the Flying High Partnership, the school’s muti-academy trust, are credited with driving improvements and demonstrating a determination to ensure that every pupil achieves. The report says, ‘The curriculum is meticulously designed. From the Nursery to Year 6, every subject has ambition. Knowledge and skills build progressively in all subjects. Teachers know exactly what they need to teach the pupils in every lesson. The curriculum includes opportunities to learn about the local community and to learn about people from different backgrounds. This helps to inspire the pupils.’

Year 6 pupil Gerald said, ‘I told the inspectors how proud I am of my school because everyone is treated with respect and kindness. We make everyone feel welcome because even though we may be different to each other, or have different backgrounds or even different religions, we can all help and be there for each other.’ Pupil Freya, year 6 agreed saying, ‘I am really proud to be a pupil at Blue Bell Hill, and I think the teachers are kind and help us in our learning. I don’t ever want to leave!’

Modou is a year 6 pupil and said, ‘I like lots of things about my school, the teachers are nice and I really like taking part in school activities and clubs with my friends.’

Pupil, Omar is in year 6 and is a recent addition to the school. Omar said, “I am so happy to be at Blue Bell Hill. When I first came, I was worried about joining a new school, but everyone has been so kind, and my learning has really improved a lot in the time I have been here. I love coming to this school.”

The visiting inspectors said that staff at Blue Bell Hill used curriculum guidance well, ensuring that they know the intended learning of each activity. Children show cooperation and ‘sustained interest’ in their activities said inspectors, stating ’Children ‘aim high’ with ‘care’ and ‘respect’.’ Ensuring they are ready for their next stage.’

Teachers are described as skilfully ensuring children deepen their knowledge by breaking down tasks into chunks and building their knowledge in a logical order. Inspectors said, ‘They also help pupils by demonstrating how to be successful.’

‘The school has a clear focus on attendance’ comments the report, noting a ‘newly forged team is forensic in their analysis of the data. They know the challenges many families face and work very hard to remove the barriers. As a result, attendance is showing clear signs of improvement.’

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are quickly identified and achieve well at Blue Bell Hill with staff giving careful consideration to how everyone can access the learning.

In addition, Blue Bell Hill’s ‘woodland’ provision is described as ‘an exceptional resource for pupils with more significant needs. Highly skilled staff deliver a bespoke curriculum that meets individual needs very well. A high staff ratio and a clear understanding of pupils’ next steps help to create this very effective provision.’

The reports says the curriculum ‘includes extensive opportunities to support pupils’ personal and broader development,’ going on to say, ‘Pupils learn about their mental health and they know it is important to talk to someone if they are struggling. Pupils have a deep understanding of the fundamental British values.’

Finally, the report states that safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective and children benefit from taking part in varied school clubs on offer and visits which enhance and develop their wider learning.